TUESDAY, April 8, 2003 (HealthDayNews) --
Frequent exercise, maintaining a normal body mass index and having routine prostate screenings seem to be significant factors in keeping prostate cancer from progressing.
That's the conclusion of a large study of prostate cancer patients by researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The study included 1,117 men with localized prostate cancer who were recruited over a six-year period. They were asked questions about their lifestyle, and their answers were matched to their risk of prostate cancer progression.
Men with a high risk of cancer progression were much more likely to be obese, to exercise less than twice a week, and not to have had prior annual prostate cancer screenings.
Men who had the lowest risk of cancer progression were those who kept their body weight down, got regular exercise and had routine prostate cancer screenings.
"What we're finding has positive implications for prostate cancer prevention. It appears to be important that men maintain a low body mass index, exercise to the point of sweating at least two times a week, and be screened regularly for prostate cancer," lead author Dr. Mfon Cyrus-David says in a news release.
The researchers say their conclusions are preliminary and require a follow-up study. This is one of the first studies that examines the link between lifestyle and the risk of prostate cancer progression in men who have been treated.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about prostate cancer.
